Heinrich Böll Foundation Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025

Omran Aburayya
2 days ago
3 min read

If you're an emerging or experienced thinker passionate about international relations, climate diplomacy, feminist foreign policy, or security studies, the Heinrich Böll Foundation Thessaloniki Office invites you to apply for the Green Foreign Policy Fellowship 2025–2026. This unique programme offers a platform to explore progressive approaches to foreign and security policy in a rapidly shifting global order. Applications are open until 31 May 2025, with early bird submissions before 15 May 2025 prioritized.

The fellowship seeks to expand the global conversation on green foreign policy by bringing together a diverse cohort of researchers, professionals, and advocates. Participants will receive financial and logistical support to produce policy-relevant work and engage in high-level networking and dissemination activities.

🎓 Green Foreign Fellowship Summary

Location: Thessaloniki, Greece (with potential travel to other locations)
Host Institution: Heinrich Böll Foundation – Thessaloniki Office
Fellowship Duration: July 2025 – May 2026
Academic Level: Bachelor graduates, PhD students, PhD holders, practitioners
Target Group: Emerging and established thinkers in foreign & security policy globally
Focus Areas: Green foreign policy, feminist foreign policy, human security, climate diplomacy, decolonial trade perspectives, international relations theory
Value and Coverage:
- Stipend of €6,000 (gross), paid during the first semester
- Travel and accommodation support for relevant events
- Visa support (if applicable)
- Media visibility and alumni networking
Application Deadline: 31 May 2025 (Early bird: 15 May 2025)
Fellowship Start Date: July 2025
Eligible to: Individuals from all continents with relevant academic or professional background

🌏 Fellowship Overview

The Green Foreign Policy Fellowship aims to support meaningful work in shaping a progressive foreign and security policy narrative. The fellowship is structured in two main phases:

1. Research and Production Phase (July–December 2025):Fellows will focus on producing high-quality materials—such as papers, articles, or multimedia content—exploring key aspects of green foreign and security policy. They are expected to submit a strategic plan at the outset and provide monthly progress updates.

2. Presentation and Networking Phase (January–May 2026):During this period, fellows will present their work at relevant events, engage in dialogue with other experts, and participate in outreach and dissemination activities, including social media engagement.

The fellowship fosters critical thinking, strategic communication, and policy development through an inclusive, cross-regional network of scholars and professionals.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support:
- €6,000 gross stipend during the first semester
- Covered travel and accommodation expenses for approved events
Logistical Support:
- Visa assistance through official invitation letters
Visibility:
- Personal profiles featured on the Foundation's website
- Promotion of fellows' work across digital platforms
Networking:
- Access to an alumni network of Green Foreign Policy Scholars
- Opportunities for cross-regional collaboration
Professional Growth:
- Direct engagement with leading voices in foreign and security policy
- Real-time experience in progressive policy advocacy

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor degree holders (especially in international relations, political science, or related fields)
Current or prospective PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
Policy practitioners or advisors at national/international levels
Candidates actively working or interested in themes such as:
- Climate diplomacy
- Feminist foreign policy and Women, Peace & Security
- Normative and decolonial foreign policy
- Human rights, international cooperation, and global justice
Fluency in English is mandatory
Open to candidates from all regions, with a focus on diversity (BIPOC, non-males, LGBTQI+, people with disabilities encouraged to apply)

📝 Application Procedure

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Early bird applications: Prioritized if submitted by 15 May 2025

Applications are administered online through the online application portal linked here.

📂 Submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages): Europass format preferred.
Motivation Letter (max 300 words): Explain your interest in the fellowship using specific examples.
Concept Note (max 2 pages):
- Identify a major issue in green foreign & security policy.
- Outline your strategy to address it and the steps you would take during the fellowship.
Optional: Copies of academic/professional certificates (may be requested later)